ACTION NOTE
TRAFFIC CONGESTION WORKING GROUP
TUESDAY 1st FEBRUARY 2011, 11AM, LOCHABER HOUSE, FORT WILLIAM
In attendance: / Stewart Maclean (A82 partnership), Bob Mitchell (Transport Scotland), John Harkness (Transerve), Robert Hawkes (Chamber of Commerce), Drew Purdon (FW Steering group) Cllr Brian Murphy, Cllr Allan Henderson, Emma Tayler – note (Highland Council)Apologies: / Sam MacNaughton (Highland Council); CI John Chisholm (Northern Constabulary; Ally Ferguson (Chamber of Commerce), Cllr Bren Gormley
Agenda Item / Action / Person (s) / Timescale
Previous note / Note of previous meeting – 2nd November 2010 was approved.
Morrison’s Roundabout / The group agreed to hold back on progressing box markings to see if there is any improvement to traffic flow in this area following the planned works on the Inverlochy lights. / Bob Mitchell (TS)
Belford Hospital pelican crossing / Precedent timings to be looked at again / Bob Mitchell (TS)
Middle Street / Morrison’s roundabout / The group discussed the complexities of considering direct access to the roundabout from Middle Street to avoid the ‘looping back’ / To be discussed at future meeting
Traffic Flows / · Bob Mitchell agreed to provide monthly traffic flow figures for the last 10 year period (2 nearest counters to the town)
· It is acknowledged that some junctions in town have no reserve traffic flow capacity in their design. / Bob Mitchell (TS) / Emma Tayler
Inverlochy traffic signals / Bob Mitchell had the results from the study undertaken (in draft). Main points / recommendations noted as:
· Junction is up to traffic flow capacity
· Sophisticated ‘Mover’ signal control system to be installed to improve flow
· South bound specific filter into Inverlochy is to be changed to operate with green ‘straight’ ahead phasing which will see a reduction in traffic queues
· TS will provide funding for works
· Transerv aim to get signal works done before the end of this financial year (evening/night time works)
· Commitment to resurfacing works but this is likely to be later on towards the autumn (night time works)
· Improvement data supplied showed a significant projected improvement to queue lengths – current data shows queue length of 175m delays, = 553 units, introduction of time sequence change reduces this to 165m / 519 units and introduction of indicative green light (filter land) reduces to 33m / 40 units / Bob Mitchell (TS)
Bob Mitchell (TS)
John Harkness (TrS)
John Harkness (TrS) / April 2011
Autumn 2011
Lochy Bridge mini roundabout / · TrS reported that the road markings were done but did not remain due to extreme weather conditions. White lines to be redone.
· There are no planned works for this roundabout by TS in light of the Blar Mhor developers obligation to improve the junction. The speed at which any works would therefore take place will be dictated by the developers rate of progresses. TS will review developer progress.
· Noted there was a requirement to make improvements to Nevis Bank roundabout also (either directly or through a developer contribution) – these improvements would be along the lines of ‘tweaking’ the kerb lines etc.
· TS will not increase the size of the Roundabout as they state there is no evidence that the design needs improving. TS are committed to resurfacing but only if the developers of Blar Mhor are not going ahead in a timely manner. BM to get an indication for timescale of works from the developer.
· BM agreed to look at whether it was physically possible to create a raised dome to help define the roundabout more clearly (possibility to look at when patching) / John Harkness/(Transerve)
Bob Mitchell (TS)
Bob Mitchell (TS)
Bob Mitchell (TS)
Road resurfacing / · TrS are currently reassessing schemes against a new assessment tool. Schemes will be ranked and prioritised as the budget allows. TS will meet with members to go over details once known. / Bob Mitchell (TS)
A830 / Lochyside junction / · ‘Mover traffic loops are going in 2/2/2011
· More markings and hatched area has been put in
Banavie Swing Bridge / · Protocol document to be circulated to the group for comment / Bob Mitchell (TS) / Cllr Brian Murphy
Signage / · Cycle way – new signage is now ordered and should be erected by the end of March. / Sam MacNaughton (THC)
Special Street designation / · BM has looked into this and reported to the group that there is not a lot of scope to pursue this however agreed to seek advice on how to get a proposal to the Scottish Utilities group
· TrS contract working restrictions reported as follows:
No planned works between 07:30-09:00 and 16:00-18:00 & no works in July/Aug from 06:00 to 20:00 / Bob Mitchell (TS)
Nevis River Crossing at An Aird / · Still on TS list of structures. Would need a bridge assessment to determine capacity etc.
Manual Traffic Signalling in the event of future major traffic congestion / A82 Partnership/Chamber agreed they would like to discuss this again with CI John Chisholm – meeting to be set up / Emma Tayler
STAG appraisal / HITRANS have said no to extended economic study however A82 Partnership will continue to put pressure on HITRANS. / Stewart MacLean
Press Release / The group agreed to pass any press releases made after meetings to Bob Mitchell for comment before release. / Stewart Maclean / Cllr Brian Murphy
Crainlarich/Pulpit Rock / A82 Partnership has issued a press statement – SM advised those present of recent conversations regarding National Park Objections.
Next Meeting / Tuesday 10th May @ 11.00 hours, Lochaber House, Fort William / All
1